Residents of the Ahafo Ano South East Constituency in the Ashanti Region have strongly opposed plans to site the government’s proposed 24-hour Economy Market project at Abesewa instead of the district capital, Adugyama.
The residents accuse their Member of Parliament, Mohammed Yakubu, of influencing the decision to have the project constructed in his hometown, Abesewa, despite Adugyama’s long-standing market infrastructure challenges and its role as the area’s main commercial centre.
At a press conference, spokesperson for the aggrieved residents, Inusah Issifu, argued that Abesewa, being a smaller community located close to Bechem, does not face the same market pressures as Adugyama.
He said traders in Adugyama continue to operate under difficult conditions, with many forced to display their produce on bare ground and around private homes due to congestion and the lack of proper market facilities.
According to the group, relocating the 24-hour Economy Market project to Abesewa would not significantly improve economic activity in the district, but would rather duplicate facilities while neglecting the urgent needs of Adugyama.
The residents also expressed disappointment in the District Chief Executive, Ibrahim Yamba Nelson Issaka, accusing him of failing to act in the best interest of the wider constituency.
They are therefore appealing to the Ashanti Regional Minister, Frank Amoakohene, to intervene and ensure the project is moved to Adugyama before the official sod-cutting ceremony expected to be performed later this week by John Dramani Mahama.
Some traders, in a separate interview, vowed to resist any attempt to proceed with the construction of the market at Abesewa.
They pointed out that the Adugyama market, despite existing for more than 70 years, still lacks basic amenities, including a public toilet facility, which they say reflects years of neglect.